This property is open during normal hours.
The Trustees asks that visitors follow social distancing guidelines for the health and safety of all. Please note: all buildings and inside areas are remain closed on all properties. For more information about our response to COVID-19, please click here.

What makes Norton Point Beach a special place?

This 2.5-mile-long strip of sand and dunes served as a vital link between Martha's Vineyard and the island of Chappaquiddick until 2007, when a major ocean storm caused a breach in the barrier beach. But this ever-changing environment still provides an important habitat for nesting shorebirds, and a sporting challenge for the fishermen who surfcast from this popular site.

This beach provides summer recreational opportunities for shellfishing, swimming, bird watching, and picnicking. In the autumn, the extensive sandflats are used by migrating shorebirds for feeding and resting. During the winter, the beach and adjacent waters are often frequented by winter bird residents such as snowy owls, mergansers, and bufflehead ducks.

TrailsDue to recent beach erosion, there is only 1.8 miles of oversand-vehicle trails. There are 4.5 miles of walking trails and sandy roads in the upland area.

FacilitiesThe western end of Norton Point Beach abuts the state-owned bathing beach, South Beach, which has lifeguards and seasonal restrooms and changing areas. Please note that Norton Point Beach does not have lifeguards. We urge you to exercise caution when swimming or wading at Norton Point.

Due to strong currents and riptides, swimming at Norton Point Beach can be hazardous. Use caution at all times and if in doubt, please don't go in the water. The breach can be particularly dangerous. Please stay at least 10 feet away from the edge of the breach and obey all posted signs.

Also, avoid swimming where seals are present. The growing population of seals on the sand islands offshore may attract sharks.

Please use common sense – be safe, be wary, and respect the power and beauty of nature from a safe distance.

When to VisitYear-round, daily, 24 hrs. Over-sand vehicle access is subject to occasional closures due to erosion or storm damage, or to protect rare nesting shorebirds.

The Wasque, Dike Bridge, Mytoi and Norton Point Gatehouses will open on June 2. Permits must be picked up in person at the Norton Point and Mytoi Gatehouses, only. All permits must be prepaid before arriving at the gatehouse. Permits must be paid for online. We will limit distribution to prevent traffic congestion.

OSV travel is at your own risk.

Beach hours are 6AM-6PM (except for active surfcasters)

Masks must be worn for the protection of us all when you are not able to observe social distancing of 6 feet separation (walking from parking lots, on walking trails, or walking along the beach, for instance).

Over the bridge and through the dunes to the Cape Poge Light you'll go!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

7

Sunday

Cancelled -- Cape Poge Kayak & Safari

Discover Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge by water!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

7

Sunday

Cancelled -- Poucha Pond Kayak or SUP Rental & Exploration

Chappy Paddling!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

8

Monday

Cancelled -- Poucha Pond Kayak or SUP Rental & Exploration

Chappy Paddling!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

8

Monday

Cancelled -- Cape Poge Lighthouse Tour & Refuge Safari

Over the bridge and through the dunes to the Cape Poge Light you'll go!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

8

Monday

Cancelled -- Cape Poge Kayak & Safari

Discover Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge by water!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

9

Tuesday

Cancelled -- Cape Poge Lighthouse Tour & Refuge Safari

Over the bridge and through the dunes to the Cape Poge Light you'll go!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

9

Tuesday

Cancelled -- Poucha Pond Kayak or SUP Rental & Exploration

Chappy Paddling!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

9

Tuesday

Cancelled -- Cape Poge Kayak & Safari

Discover Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge by water!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

10

Wednesday

Cancelled -- Cape Poge Kayak & Safari

Discover Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge by water!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

10

Wednesday

Cancelled -- Cape Poge Lighthouse Tour & Refuge Safari

Over the bridge and through the dunes to the Cape Poge Light you'll go!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

June

10

Wednesday

Cancelled -- Poucha Pond Kayak or SUP Rental & Exploration

Chappy Paddling!

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

Martha's Vineyard | Cape Cod & The Islands

View All Events

Plan your visit to Norton Point Beach

This property is open during normal hours.
The Trustees asks that visitors follow social distancing guidelines for the health and safety of all. Please note: all buildings and inside areas are remain closed on all properties. For more information about our response to COVID-19, please click here.

Admission & Fees

When to VisitYear-round, daily, 24 hrs. Oversand vehicle access is subject to occasional closures due to erosion or storm damage, or to protect rare nesting shorebirds.

Beach access hotline (current beach closure updates): 508.627.8390.

Admission Fees & Permits:Free for pedestrians. Unsuitable for bikes due to deep sand.

Daily OSV passes are available at the Norton Point gatehouse only; $60 if vehicle is not registered on Martha's Vineyard; $30 if vehicle is registered on Martha's Vineyard.

OSV permits are available at the gatehouse entrance to the property at Katama, at the Cape Poge and Wasque gatehouses, at The Trustees’ Islands Regional Office at 860 State Road in Vineyard Haven, at Coop’s Bait & Tackle in Edgartown, and from the County Treasurer’s Office (508.696.3845) at the County Administration Building in Edgartown.

The Wasque, Dike Bridge, Mytoi and Norton Point Gatehouses will open on June 2. Permits must be picked up in person at the Norton Point and Mytoi Gatehouses, only. All permits must be prepaid before arriving at the gatehouse. Permits must be paid for online. We will limit distribution to prevent traffic congestion.

OSV travel is at your own risk.

Beach hours are 6AM-6PM (except for active surfcasters)

Masks must be worn for the protection of us all when you are not able to observe social distancing of 6 feet separation (walking from parking lots, on walking trails, or walking along the beach, for instance).

No groups larger than 10 people

No beach ball games.

Vehicles must keep a vehicle length (20') apart on the beach

Beach capacity will be limited as necessary

Your cooperation is appreciated during this phase of reopening.

Trail Map

Printed trail maps are distributed free from the bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies periodically run out.

Some publications are also available for purchase at the Islands Regional Office at 508.693.7662.

The Wasque, Dike Bridge, Mytoi and Norton Point Gatehouses will open on June 2. Permits must be picked up in person at the Norton Point and Mytoi Gatehouses, only. All permits must be prepaid before arriving at the gatehouse. Permits must be paid for online.We will limit distribution to prevent traffic congestion.

OSV travel is at your own risk.

Beach hours are 6AM-6PM (except for active surfcasters)

Masks must be worn for the protection of us all when you are not able to observe social distancing of 6 feet separation (walking from parking lots, on walking trails, or walking along the beach, for instance).

Due to strong currents and riptides, swimming at Norton Point Beach can be hazardous. Use caution at all times and if in doubt, please don't go in the water. The breach can be particularly dangerous. Please stay at least 10 feet away from the edge of the breach and obey all posted signs.

Also, avoid swimming where seals are present. The growing population of seals on the sand islands offshore may attract sharks.

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of our properties implies consent. Find the full policy here.

History

Property ManagementNorton Point Beach is owned by the County of Dukes County and is managed by The Trustees of Reservations.

Daily OSV passes are available at the Norton Point gatehouse only; $60 if vehicle is not registered on Martha's Vineyard; $30 if vehicle is registered on Martha's Vineyard.

OSV permits are available at the gatehouse entrance to the property at Katama, at the Cape Poge and Wasque gatehouses, at The Trustees’ Islands Regional Office at 860 State Road in Vineyard Haven, at Coop’s Bait & Tackle in Edgartown, and from the County Treasurer’s Office (508.696.3845) at the County Administration Building in Edgartown.

The Wasque, Dike Bridge, Mytoi and Norton Point Gatehouses will open on June 2. Permits must be picked up in person at the Norton Point and Mytoi Gatehouses, only. All permits must be prepaid before arriving at the gatehouse. Permits must be paid for online. We will limit distribution to prevent traffic congestion.

OSV travel is at your own risk.

Beach hours are 6AM-6PM (except for active surfcasters)

Masks must be worn for the protection of us all when you are not able to observe social distancing of 6 feet separation (walking from parking lots, on walking trails, or walking along the beach, for instance).

No groups larger than 10 people

No beach ball games.

Vehicles must keep a vehicle length (20') apart on the beach

Beach capacity will be limited as necessary

Your cooperation is appreciated during this phase of reopening.

Great Point Circle

Beach Parking Stickers

Farm Shares & CSA

Summer Camp

Programs

Claire Saltonstall Education Program (CSEP)Fully experiential programs for island students in preK-12 grades are offered FREE throughout the year at all Trustees’ Martha Vineyard properties. Curriculum-connected topics include: Coastal Life, Light and Lighthouses, Restoring Habitats, Landforms and Mapping, Geology, Weather, Nature Writing, and more. To schedule a trip, please contact Shannon Hurley at shurley@thetrustees.org or 508.693.7662.

Due to strong and changing currents, swimming at Norton Point Beach can be dangerous. Use caution at all times. The breach is particularly dangerous. Please stay at least 10 feet away from the edge of the breach and obey all posted signs.

Other parts of Norton Point Beach are safe for swimming and fishing, but please note that lifeguards are not present.